As of Tuesday, July 5, there are three prospective candidates who have taken out papers for the Select Board special election on August 30th: Dana Jackson, Denise Munger, and Ralph “Doc” Wallace. Papers are due back at the Town Office on or by July 22.

Assessing:

Assessor Kerry Leichtman will be working this this week on completing his tax commitment for the coming year. I would expect residents will receive their tax bills by the end of this month.

Fire Department:

With the increased number of visitors to our area every summer, an increasing number of car accidents seems to come in stride. Many residents perhaps do not realize the nature of the fire service has changed greatly. Thankfully, the number of structure fires has decreased over the last few decades, but responsibilities placed on our fire fighters to respond to other life-threatening circumstances has risen.

From carbon monoxide to propane to flooded basements; fire fighters are asked to do so much outside the norm. Rockport has a disproportionate number of motor vehicle accidents compared to our neighbors in the midcoast, this is largely due to the presence of three major routes: Route 1, Route 90, and Route 17. While Maine DOT is responsible for the care and upkeep of these roads and intersections, it is our fire department that responds when trouble strikes.

Harbor:

The roof of the largest of the lime kilns was replaced late last week and the framing was re-stained. Thanks to the numerous maintenance projects tackled down at the harbor over the past few months, we are as ready for the summer crowd as we ever have been.

With the return of so many visitors to the area, do not forget all parking at the Marine Park is 2- hour parking (with the exception of the trailer parking). These parking limits will be enforced. For those who require a longer visit at the harbor, parking on the north side of Goose River or in Cramer Park should provide ample parking options.

Library:

The library has dozens of events scheduled for the remainder this month and this summer. Those on the internet can go to the library’s calendar for more information at https://www.rockport.lib.me.us/events2.aspx

Opera House:

The Mary Lea Music in The Park summer concert series continues this summer on Sundays from 4-5pm. The schedule for the remainder of the summer includes:

July 10: Katzenjammer
July 17: Kaylee Kazadi and Bella Barnes July 24: Grace Kemberling
August 7: Cedar Callahan
August 28: Beleza
September 4: Bills Group

On Sunday July 31, the Happenings on the Harbor Summer Concert Series welcomes The Right Track. Bring a chair and enjoy some fantastic music and several food truck vendors.

Planning:

The Town will be adding to our Planning Department with the addition of Fire Chief Jason Peasley as an alternate code enforcement officer and local plumbing inspector. Jason’s responsibilities will allow Code Officer Scott Bickford to focus on the most important and notable matters when both are available, but Jason will allow the Town to have someone to fill in when Scott is unavailable.

Police Department:

The police department has been quite busy enforcing speed related concerns and gauging speed issues in various neighborhoods around town. Park Street, Pascal Avenue, and Union Street all saw speed studies conducted over the past four to six weeks to judge if motorists are traveling within an acceptable range in those locations. Often the studies are followed by increased enforcement by our officers if an issue is apparent from these studies. Many thanks to those who drive around Rockport and treat every neighborhood like it is their own.

The challenges in the supply chain remain an issue for Rockport as our new cruisers will be delayed in their arrival until September. We had high hopes that we would be able to get at least one of these cruisers on the road this summer, but unfortunately that appears impossible at the moment.

Recreation:

Little league, softball, and Babe Ruth teams are nearing the end of their seasons. Many thanks to Five Town Little League and Five Town Babe Ruth for their efforts in improving our fields this year.